Defense Secretary Reinstates Fort Bragg Name, Paying Tribute to WWII Hero

On February 11, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum to rename Fort Liberty in North Carolina back to Fort Bragg. This change honors Army Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II veteran who displayed extraordinary bravery during his service.

Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, originally from Sabattus, Maine, enlisted in July 1943 and served with the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment during WWII. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for his gallantry during the Battle of the Bulge.

The installation known as Fort Liberty has a long history dating back to its original designation as Camp Bragg in 1918 before being officially renamed Fort Bragg in 1922. In 2023, it was temporarily renamed Fort Liberty but will now revert to its previous name honoring Pfc. Roland L. Bragg.

Pfc. Bragg is remembered for his courageous acts during one of WWII’s most significant battles. He commandeered an enemy ambulance under fire to save a fellow soldier’s life by transporting him to safety over a distance of twenty miles in Belgium.

• Bragg received the Silver Star for gallantry.
• He also earned a Purple Heart for wounds sustained in battle.
• After WWII, he returned home and ran several businesses until his passing in January 1999.

The renaming initiative aims to restore the legacy of those who trained at this historic site while reinforcing community connections with veterans and active service members alike. Hegseth indicated that other military installations may also undergo similar name changes in the future.

This renaming reflects an effort not only to honor individual service members like Pfc. Roland L. Bragg but also to recognize the broader contributions of all soldiers associated with Fort Bragg throughout its extensive history.